Business Support Apprentice

Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology - University of Cambridge

Cambridge (CB3 0AS)

Closes in 26 days (Sunday 19 April 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 23 March 2026

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Summary

The Department of Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology is recruiting for a Business Support Apprentice to be part of the wider professional services team. The role holder will undertake training to provide support across areas such as HR, Reception, Safety, Finance, Communications, Outreach and Student Administration.

• Wage:

  £20,058 a year

  Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  Salary will increment on 1 year service.

• Training course: Business administrator (level 3)
• Hours: Monday to Friday, working hours TBC

  36 hours 30 minutes a week

• Start date:

  Monday 18 May 2026

• Duration:

  1 year 6 months

• Positions available:

  1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

You would be expected to work to a high standard, with increasing initiative and manage your priorities in order to successfully meet deadlines. The role holder will be undertaking, or be anticipating undertaking, a Level 3 Diploma in Business Administration and if required English and maths GCSE via Cambridge Regional College. The role holder will gain practical administration experience and a nationally recognised qualification.

Coordinate HR processes:

• Carry out HR administrative processes including recruitment and new starter processes, using university HR systems
• Assist the Recruitment process by scheduling interviews, notifying successful and unsuccessful candidates and requesting candidate references
• Facilitate new starter processes by conducting HR inductions for new staff

Support Departmental Teams:

• Support the Safety Team with duties including assisting with office assessments, being a fire warden, and record keeping
• Support the Reception Team, welcoming employees, students and visitors in a friendly way
• Assist the Accounts Team
• Provide backup for the Stores area; receive goods, review and approve supplier invoices, partake in stock take

Provide General Administrative Support:

• Provide backup for the Stores area; receive goods, review and approve supplier invoices, partake in stock take
• Maintain accurate records, keeping staff and student files organised
• Be involved in supporting any events, outreach activities and communications within the department

Where you'll work

Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology
Philippa Fawcett Drive
Cambridge
CB3 0AS

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

CAMBRIDGE REGIONAL COLLEGE

Training course

Business administrator (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

• Skilled in the use of multiple IT packages and systems relevant to the organisation in order to: write letters or emails, create proposals, perform financial processes, record and analyse data. Examples include MS Office or equivalent packages. Able to choose the most appropriate IT solution to suit the business problem. Able to update and review databases, record information and produce data analysis where required.
• Produces accurate records and documents including: emails, letters, files, payments, reports and proposals. Makes recommendations for improvements and present solutions to management. Drafts correspondence, writes reports and able to review others' work. Maintains records and files, handles confidential information in compliance with the organisation's procedures. Coaches others in the processes required to complete these tasks.
• Exercises proactivity and good judgement. Makes effective decisions based on sound reasoning and is able to deal with challenges in a mature way. Seeks advice of more experienced team members when appropriate.
• Builds and maintains positive relationships within their own team and across the organisation. Demonstrates ability to influence and challenge appropriately. Becomes a role model to peers and team members, developing coaching skills as they gain area knowledge.
• Demonstrates good communication skills, whether face-to-face, on the telephone, in writing or on digital platforms. Uses the most appropriate channels to communicate effectively. Demonstrates agility and confidence in communications, carrying authority appropriately. Understands and applies social media solutions appropriately. Answers questions from inside and outside of the organisation, representing the organisation or department.
• Completes tasks to a high standard. Demonstrates the necessary level of expertise required to complete tasks and applies themself to continuously improve their work. Is able to review processes autonomously and make suggestions for improvements. Shares administrative best-practice across the organisation e.g. coaches others to perform tasks correctly. Applies problem-solving skills to resolve challenging or complex complaints and is a key point of contact for addressing issues.
• Takes responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, manages priorities and time in order to successfully meet deadlines. Positively manages the expectations of colleagues at all levels and sets a positive example for others in the workplace. Makes suggestions for improvements to working practice, showing understanding of implications beyond the immediate environment (e.g. impact on clients, suppliers, other parts of the organisation). Manages resources e.g. equipment or facilities. Organises meetings and events, takes minutes during meetings and creates action logs as appropriate. Takes responsibility for logistics e.g. travel and accommodation.
• Uses relevant project management principles and tools to scope, plan, monitor and report. Plans required resources to successfully deliver projects. Undertakes and leads projects as and when required.

Training schedule

Business Administrator Level 3.

More training information

Ongoing Personal and Professional Development Plan (PPDP) created ad-hoc to suit the apprentice learning throughout the apprenticeship.

Shadow sessions with experienced colleagues in all areas of the department (HR, Accounts, Safety, Marketing & Outreach etc.)

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• English (grade Grade 4/C and above)
• Maths (grade Grade 4/C and above)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Administrative skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Non judgemental
• Patience

Other requirements

The right applicant needs to be flexible, have an excellent work ethic, be mature in their approach as well as being respectful and courteous to all staff, students and visitors.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

About this employer

Our multidisciplinary department houses expertise in science, engineering and mathematics fields, with an overarching drive to deliver real impact in the areas of sustainability and healthcare.
Our undergraduate and postgraduate courses, as well as our research programmes and Centre for Doctoral Training, develop fundamental understanding of molecular processes and systems, equipping students with the skills to tackle global issues, such as climate change, accessible medical care, and sustainable manufacturing.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

After this apprenticeship

Upon completion of the apprenticeship, the individual will be able to perform to high standard/level which will allow an easy entry into administrative roles in the Further Education/Higher Education sectors. Business administration, as well as a career in Human Resources are undoubtedly career paths that the individual completing the apprenticeship can also explore.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

CAMBRIDGE REGIONAL COLLEGE

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000021391.

Apply now

Closes in 26 days (Sunday 19 April 2026 at 11:59pm)